Samsung’s new Galaxy S5 will make its debut on Sunday, February 23, one day before Mobile World Congress 2014, according to respected Russian tipster Eldar Murtazin.

The device is expected to introduce a new TouchWiz user interface on top of Android 4.4 KitKat, as well as new high-end specifications, an improved rear-facing camera, faster processors, and possibly even iris scanning technology that will allow users to unlock the device with their eyes.

The Galaxy S5’s supposed release date has been reported a number of times in recent weeks, but it seems no one can agree on whether the device will be revealed next month around MWC, or in mid-March when the Galaxy S4 celebrates its first birthday.

Several sources familiar with Samsung’s plans are adamant we’ll see the device next month; Murtazin expects it to appear on February 23, one day before MWC kicks off. He expects Samsung to hold its event in Barcelona at 6 p.m. local time, ahead of the handset’s public launch on February 23.

The South Korean company’s head of design, Dong-hoon Chang, also confirmed during an interview with a Korean publication that the flagship handset would be announced at MWC.

While a February launch was looking pretty unlikely just a few days ago, then, it now looks like Samsung could be set to surprise us next month. We’ll be in Barcelona for MWC, so if it happens, we’ll bring you the news as soon as it breaks.

• SourceEldar Murtazin